Special Awards for Special People

The William Keown Trust’s Personal Achievement Awards were held recently in the Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre in Lisburn, when there were thirty recipients from right across the Province and also one recipient from the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Philip Beattie, the Trust’s Chairman, opened the ceremony by welcoming the recipients and their family and friends, to what he knew was a special day for the recipients. He also welcomed Mr Trevor Taylor, the Trust’s Deputy President and the newly elected Mayor of Lisburn and Castlreagh City Council, Mr Tim Morrow. Mr Beattie said that he understood the Mayor had only been elected a few hours ago and that this was his first official engagement. He thanked the Banbridge Accordion Orchestra for playing a selection of music as the people were gathering in.

The Mayor thanked Mr Beattie for his words of welcome and said that, on what was his first official duty as Mayor, it was a great honour for him to welcome The William Keown Trust to the city of Lisburn for their Personal Achievement Awards. He went on to pay tribute to the work of the William Keown Trust over the past thirty-five years and especially to the Trust’s founder, the late Bill Keown, who he said was a pro-active campaigner for those suffering from a disability. He said that he looked forward to meeting the Award winners and trusted that everyone would have a good afternoon.

Mr Beattie then asked Mr Sammy Lawson, from the Banbridge Orchestra, to come forward and read the citations for each recipient and also Mr Trevor Taylor, the Trust’s Deputy President, to hand over the Awards.

After the Awards were handed out Mr Beattie called on ‘Buddy the Clown’, who entertained the audience and in particular the children, showing them various tricks and making animals and articles out of balloons. Some of the children were very brave and came forward to participate in the tricks.

At the close of the ceremony, Mr Robert Barfoot, a Trust Director, and himself a past recipient, thanked those who had taken the time and trouble to nominate the recipients, those who had carried out the short listing, the interview panel, the Banbridge Accordion Orchestra, ‘Buddy the Clown’ and last but not least the family and friends of the recipients for coming. Mr Barfoot then asked all present to join with the members of the Trust to enjoy the hospitality which was provided by the catering staff at the Lagan Valley Island Civic Centre.

This rounded off what was another momentous day in the life of the Trust.